Measles Deaths Fall By 60 Percent Globally

Since 1999, worldwide measles deaths have fallen by 60%. This surpasses the United Nations' goal to reduce measles deaths from 1999-2005 by 50%, and is considered a major public health success. The reduction is largely due to a decline in measles deaths in Africa. The 75% measles death reduction in Africa was due to the firm commitment and resources of national governments, and support from the Measles Initiative. The strategy key to reducing measles deaths consisted of four points: the provision of one dose of measles vaccine for all infants via routine health services, a second opportunity for measles immunization for all children, generally through mass vaccination campaigns, effective surveillance for measles, and enhanced care, including the provision of supplemental vitamin A. The challenge now is to reach a new global goal: to reduce global measles deaths by 90% by 2010, compared to 2000 levels. This means that gains made in countries that have implemented accelerated measles control strategies must be sustained, and similar strategies must be implemented in countries with high numbers of measles deaths, such as India and Pakistan.

full article here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070129155146.htm

-Catalina Angel